Deltona resident Michael Kiepert works for a light fixture company and is the organizer for Mayor Mulder's invitation-only citizen advisory group, which uses Harry's Lounge and Orange City's Mickey Finn's to hold their weekly meetings.

Michael Kiepert is known for routinely plagiarizing the written works of others and putting his own name to them (examples here).

Kiepert is also known for his devotion and loyalty to Mayor Dennis Mulder, whom he classifies as being a fool, strangely enough (Kiepert says anyone who represents himself is a fool, which Mulder has - and lost).

Kiepert was a member of the 2008 City Manager Selection Committee that required nearly a year to make a City Manager selection, which was then ignored by the City Commission when they instead hired Faith Miller.

Kiepert is a board member of the faith-based Community Life Center Outreach, which gets assistance from the City of Deltona in feeding the hungry, but has used his political propaganda websites to attack upstanding community citizens for their religious involvement.

Kiepert operates three local web sites; deltonafacts.org, swvolusia.com and swvolusia.org.  Both web sites have been criticized as being the Mayor's propaganda machine. One of the two web sites - once offering a public discussion forum - has been found to employ automated censorship mechanisms that systematically replace posters' words with other words, changing the meaning of the posters' messages.

Kiepert's newest incarnation of his failed swvolusia web site, swvolusia.com, brands itself as being a news web site, but is peppered with misinformation and has no articles reporting on any of the Mayor's many controversial missteps.  SwVolusia.com is known for its yellow journalism, written  under a handful of fake names to hide the author's true name.

The site has also been exposed for plagiarizing the written works of another author.

Complaints had been investigated by the City, accusing Kiepert's deltonafacts.org of unauthorized use of the City Seal.  The City Seal appeared as a large logo on the first page of what some are calling a fraudulent Police Department feasibility study - an unofficial report that was authored by a Michael and provided through Mr. Kiepert's web site.

City Attorney George Trovato and Acting City Manager Faith Miller both agreed the use of the City Seal was unauthorized.   The City Attorney sent a formal letter to Kiepert instructing him to discontinue his unauthorized use of the City Seal, to which Kiepert complied.

Kiepert's political action committee deltonafacts.org was also publicly accused of being deceptive when they tried to misrepresent a Sheriff's Office letter as meaning something other than what its author intended.  Joined with Kiepert to form the PAC, are the Mayor's close friend and business partner Bill Tavernier and Veronica Kenny.

If you want to know Michael Kiepert's position on Deltona matters, visit http://DeltonaInfo.org and search for all posts authored by user Michael K and by user DeltonaFacts.

A City is a place where a group of people live, work, play and worship
A City is a group of people who unwilling contribute (taxes) to the greater good of all
A City Government offers its residents parks, roads, schools, cultural events, water, sewer, trash pickup, fire/rescue and police protection."

"Take the Thorny property for example. Just think what we could have done as a team had both sides worked together. But instead I and others spent all our efforts fighting the purchase and the other side spent all that effort trying to get the city to purchases that property for five years. Just think had everyone worked together five years ago, what could have been accomplished."

"Question – Is the power plant on our side of I-4 which is no longer in operation part of Deltona? That land is level and clear with waterfront access. If Deltona wants to do something with the lake, why not look into this as an option? Who knows, maybe we can get the land cheaper and with less problems."

"The City is claiming that about 25% of the Thornby property is wetlands.

That leaves only 30 acres for development... at a cost of about $233,000 per acre."

"Prediction – The citizens will voice their concerns and tell the commission they do not want Thornby. Yet those who have already decide they are going to vote for it will. The story we will hear is after the meeting they spoke with several people and who are in favor of the project. Yet we will never know who these people are."

"However why is Deltona expected to pickup the check on this property. I have a problem with being force feed a 5, 6, 7, million dollar expenditure?"

"Buying this property with the mentality of at all cost is insane. Nobody walks into a car dealership and says I want to buy that truck at all cost. Guess what, the value just doubled. We are looking a land that is more then 40% wetlands, limited access to the lake and the sellers think they are going to get top dollar. Besides you yourself mentioned that there was some type of dig that went on with the property and nobody has released the information. So nobody really knows what to expect or what’s really out there.

We need more information and this “at all cost” is about the worst way to buy anything."

"KJR is correct, we have other pressing issues within Deltona that rank higher in priority then purchasing land that we had NO idea what we as a city wanted to do with the land.

To my knowledge we also had no idea what the price was. We had two appraisals so far off from each other it was ridicules.

Thank goodness its over, the majority of our commissioners listened to the people of Deltona and put an end to this madness."

"Would anyone not agree that we wasted five years talking about, what if, maybe and how come with Thornby?"

"Think about it…. If that property was so valuable somebody would have purchased it already. Senez just wants to sell it so he can collect the commissions.

Value of anything is equal to what someone is willing to spend for it. Creating value and demand is basic sales 101.."

"I might be naïve, but I see a city that is fortunate to have a large group of people who care."

"For the record and I’m sure nobody cares. I have decided to support and vote for Dr. Miller for no other reason that he is not associated with Jamie or the Mayor and I would encourage everyone else to seriously consider that logic as well. All I want is seven (7) independent people with no ties to development, the Mayor or any special interest groups which would include political activist group or political activist individuals."

"I don’t want more of the same thing and I’m will to try something different and be creative to fix the problem. I fail to see the problem in wanting seven independent people who have no ties or affiliations with anyone but the citizens doing the their job."

"Now let’s look at the problem within our City. Does anyone here think that Jamie would be invited or would invite the Mayor over for dinner?  So logic follows that if Herb and Dr. Miller are similar that means if I Dr. Miller gets elected I’m getting someone without ties to Jamie (Herb) and Mayor (Gable). Tell me again how that’s a bad thing."

"This falls into the scary category…  And once again is why we need to elect people who have no ties to current or past candidates."

"I, Michael Kiepert will be voting for Dr. Miller because I believe that he shares some of the views as another candidate who I initially supported with time and money. However after looking at the history of Deltona’s politics and the players involved, this is more of the same thing with the only change being who is going to replace David Santiago, Herb (Jamie) or Ed Gable (Mayor). As a citizen I would like to see seven independent commissioners not tied to any current or past Deltona politics which includes the Mayor or Jamie. Otherwise I feel it will be more of the same thing."

"My point is simple, we do have a gang problem within our city and I’m not talking about the kids. I don’t know who started or why it started, but I for one am tired of it."

"If you don’t know who you are voting for by the time you get to the poles. You’re an idiot and should loose you right to vote."

"Dirty politics are not excused on either side of the fence."

"Sadly during the election and a given of list of registered voters to contact it was amazing how many people are NOT registered. Then subtract from the list of registered voters those who don’t vote, amazing.

In sales, there a saying (80/20 rule) the 80% of you business comes from 20% of your customers. I’m beginning to think that this rule applies with politics and policy making, 80% of policy making comes from 20% of the voters."

"I’ve noticed a trend whereby some people think they actually have a voice in how tax dollars are spent. Once the government “takes” the tax money, it’s no longer yours.

The only voice anyone has is during an election."

"Everyone feels the need to put there own spin on things including yours truly, I guess that’s the American way."

"the sad things about facts are the can always be interpreted anyway you want."

"But facts are facts and I would guess that well over half the people fall into the category of believing everything they read or hear."

"I agree as voting is something many of us take as our god given right. I would rather have an informed voter who cares about the issues and remotely knowledgeable of the facts no matter how distorted they might be. Instead of voting for someone because they think he’s nice guy."

"we need apartments throughout the city, just not in areas marked for commercial development which we have so little."

"I think we need some multi-family within the city for our kids. But not in the Activity Center and as hypocritical as it sounds I wouldn’t want them in my backyard either."

"Herb is a good guy and that’s why I started out supporting him."

"I don’t think the Mayor shouldn’t have endorsed anyone"

"Big thing to remember with all our commissioners is they are the ones putting in a minimum of two nights per month plus workshops. They don’t have the luxury of tuning in from home, watching the rebroadcast, or my favorite (guilty as charged) leaving during the meeting."

"I know I’ve said that given the fact the Dr. Miller is no longer in consideration for district two the next logical choice would be Herb as he and Dr. Miller shared many of the same views."

"...this little lab experiment will not end until we have independent people elected as commissioners and not hand picked puppets from either side of the political fence."

"Is it not the American way with politics to pick the best crook that hopefully benefits you even just a little?"

"Santiago and Harvey will be missed. We all owe them our thanks and appreciation for serving our community"

"Saying that “I’ve had phone calls” is a nice way of saying “I’ll do what I want” and the people who have taken the time and effort to attend the meeting mean nothing."

"I agree that only the people who attend the meeting should count. Saying that "I've had phone calls" is a cop out for any Commissioner who only wants to do what they want. The people who have taken the time to attend the meeting are the one's on file..."

"Allow me to qualify first by saying that I’m glad Herb Z won district 2. However his platform was;

Bringing back the respect
Jobs first not apartments
Lower taxes"

"Fact – The term Mayor is an honorary title within our charter which doesn’t allow the Mayor any more control or influence then the other Commissioners."

"it’s all about accountability and who they’re accountable to."

"I don’t know what to even say. I could say all real candidates, but he is on the ballot so in theory that makes him a real candidate. I could say all candidates who stand a chance of getting elected, but this is Deltona.

I could say that I was wrong, but I really don’t feel that I’m wrong. I could say he is an idiot and needs to engage the brain before engaging the mouth.

So, I guess I’ll say that I was wrong (as much as it kills me) and he is an idiot ….. Dang you Ed Gable, I hate being wrong….   Then again, maybe he will lose the primary and then I can say he wasn’t a candidate."

"We know who is supporting him and I have publicly stated that I thought it was wrong for the Mayor to endorse or support $$ any candidate. Perceptions become reality and reality becomes truth."

"If the debate is orginazed [sic] with both district 2 and 4 he would look rather foolish in not attending."

"I strongly believe that the two candidates are making a BIG mistake in not attending the campaign.  This shows disrespect for the people of those district!!!!!!!!!!"

"It’s my understanding that the questions are coming from the audience and I now know what my question will be. What are your thoughts of the other two candidates in not showing basic respect for the citizens of Deltona in not attending that “only” debate and opportunity for the citizens to learn about and hear the positions the candidates have taken?

Whoever gave these two the advice to not attend the debate just cost them the election."

"I guess they’re worried that their positions are not going to be popular with the citizens of Deltona."

"In theory anyone with a drinking problem will always have a drinking problem and anyone with a drug problem will always have a drug problem."

"...if these things are important to you and you feel that he lied or was misleading, then it’s important that you send that message with your vote. I simply raised an issue that we know he had a drinking problem."

"Honestly I don’t agree with the majority of Gables positions. I certainly am not happy to learn of his problems."

"Did the truth need to come out, yes? Would have been better if one of the papers had exposed it, again yes? Could have been done via an editorial, certainly?"

"Personally I don’t agree with many of his positions"

"As I’ve said before, this issue had to come out. But does anyone really know if Mr. Gable is no longer sober? Dose anyone really know if he is a Recovering or Dry alcoholic?"

"Personally I find the time and effort in which Gus puts into his version of civic duty and community service to be invaluable. Do you think people would obey the speed limit if there wasn’t a chance that law enforcement could be spot checking ahead? Gus efforts are no different than the law enforcement randomly spot checking the traffic and speed on the roads. Unfortunately history has repeated itself time and time again  

Govern yourself accordingly"

"Please answer this, has Gus not found things that are wrong (i.e. paid mileage, questionable spending…) recently in his inquiries? Would you not agree that if his inquiries turned up nothing he would therefore assume there is nothing to find and move on? Yet for whatever reason he continues to find questionable items that the public deserves answers. Should we trust our elected officials to govern and monitor themselves?""

"For the record, I hold no personal grudge against Gus. I find him a very smart person who has given me excellent personal advice in the past."

"Mr. Santiago and Mr. Harvey will be missed and their dedication and service should be appreciated as all present and past commissioners. This would included people like Jamie Jessup and Larry D (who have to be the most out spoken passionate people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting) and so many more who dedicate their time (Gus) and effort into making Deltona the/a city we can all be proud of."

"Mr. Santiago and Mr. Harvey will be missed and their dedication and service should be appreciated as all present and past commissioners. This would included people like Jamie Jessup and Larry D (who have to be the most out spoken passionate people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting) and so many more who dedicate their time (Gus) and effort into making Deltona the/a city we can all be proud of."

"Unfortunately I share a rather uncommon and not so popular opinion regarding law enforcement within Deltona. Personally I have concerns regarding the sheriff’s office and the job they are doing for Deltona. This is not to say that our own P.D. would automatically resolve any of these concerns or increasing the number of deputies who patrol our streets would have any greater influence either. However something needs to be done one way or another. Law enforcement is not only solving crimes or being able to dump a bunch of resources into a crime seen."

"I know this isn’t a popular stance so please be gentle. But everyone I’ve spoken with all says the same thing. The Sheriff’s office is doing a wonderful job, we just need more deputies."

"Would anyone not agree that we wasted five years talking about, what if, maybe and how come with Thornby? The issue of Deltona and having its own PD needs to be independently investigated, studied and facts shared with the citizens.

Otherwise this will be our next Thornby with the topic dividing our citizens, cheap shots coming out of left field and nothing getting accomplished.

Gather the info, make a decision (fore or against) and move on"

"I’ve said several times that we need to hire an outside source that has no ties to anyone or anything within Deltona. The information needs to be shared with the citizens and THEY need to decide. If this issue isn’t addressed and resolved then it will be “more of the same thing”"

"...for and independent outside study to gather the facts. Anything done in-house will only bring skepticism and more what if, maybe and how comes."

"If we are able to provide the same services to the citizens for the same price, then why not?"

"First we need to have a study to even check the feasibility of Deltona establishing its own Police Department."

"Remember, first we need a study which will outline our cost and services. Let’s not put the cart in-front of the horse."

"But again, we need an independent study conducted outlining all the cost and operating expenses before anyone can say whether or not this is a good or bad idea."

"I think the concept is the police would take more pride in the city. This is not saying anything negative against the VCSO. But Deltona is simply an assignment until something else opens up."

"I’ve never questioned the ability of VSCO in doing their job. And yes, whenever I’ve called them they have always (expect one time) done their job with the utmost professionalism."

"I’ve stated several time what I’m for is a simple study conducted by an independent firm who has no association with Deltona, anyone associated with Deltona or has any interest in Deltona."

"If the cost makes sense then it’s a good idea and I think there can be some benefits. If the study show the cost compared to services is out of line, then even idiot knows better to say “sign me up”."

"Personally I’m in favor of a study for nothing else but to answer all those unanswered questions that are hanging out there. Next, if the study isn’t done this will be another Thornby issue that will be brought up over and over again with no one ever having any answers.

What’s the worse possible outcome? We spend a few thousand dollars to find out that the VSCO can do it cheaper and better. Questions asked, answered and now we move on. Because it has become an issue, the contract gets rewritten and we actually get what we are paying for."

"PD issue, I would need to see the same level of service for dollars spent. But this would need to be proven with an independent study outlining the cost."

"Overall my experience with VCSO has always been very professional."

"There are times for threats, negotiating, and sanctions and then there are times you just need to take action. Now taking action involves analyzing your risk and possible success but you always have the unknown."

"For starters we the tax payers would be saving billions and billions a dollar every year with the operating expense of the IRS. Business would be able to retain more profits and hopefully pass on some of the savings to their employees with either a raise or better health care."

"The Global warming issue is not strictly a problem of the United States. If you believe what they say the problem is more so with other countries who have done nothing to address the problem if you buy into the global warming theory."